Using community pharmacists to help rural smokers quit
Leveraging Community Pharmacists to Optimize Smoking Cessation Services for Rural Smokers in Appalachia
NA · University of Virginia · NCT05660525
This study is testing a new program where pharmacists help rural smokers in Appalachia quit smoking by providing medication and support, like texting and quitline resources.
Quick facts
| Phase | NA |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 768 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of Virginia (other) |
| Locations | 1 site (Charlottesville, Virginia) |
| Trial ID | NCT05660525 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This clinical trial evaluates the effectiveness of a pharmacist-delivered medication therapy management approach, called QuitAid, aimed at helping rural smokers in Appalachia quit smoking. Participants will receive at least 4 weeks of nicotine patches and may be randomized to receive additional treatments such as a texting program or tobacco quitline support. The study will assess both the effectiveness of these interventions and the implementation challenges faced in community pharmacies. A total of 768 smokers will be recruited from 14 pharmacies in rural areas of Virginia, Tennessee, Kentucky, and North Carolina.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are rural cigarette smokers aged 18 and older who smoke at least 5 cigarettes per day and are willing to set a quit date.
Not a fit: Patients who do not smoke or are not willing to quit smoking may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly improve smoking cessation rates among rural smokers.
How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown success with pharmacist-led smoking cessation interventions, indicating potential for this approach.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Study participants will be rural cigarette smokers from Virginia, Tennessee, Kentucky and North Carolina who visit one of the participating study pharmacies. Pharmacies will be located in rural geographic areas of the Central and South Central subregions of Appalachia that include Virginia, Tennessee, Kentucky and North Carolina, as defined by the USDA Rural-Urban Continuum Codes (RUCC) 4-9, Rural-Urban Commuting Area (RUCA) codes 4-10, or Frontier and Remote (FAR) areas level 4. No exclusionary criteria are based on race, gender, or age. Inclusion Criteria include: * must be 18 years of age and older * must be able to read, speak, and understand English * must report smoking at least 5 cigarettes per day for the past 6 months (regardless of non-cigarette tobacco product use) * must be willing to set a quit date within the next 30 days * must own a cell phone * must be willing and able to use NRT in the form of patch or lozenge * Not be pregnant or planning to be pregnant in the next 6 months. Exclusion Criteria include: * are pregnant women (self-reported), breastfeeding, planning to become pregnant during the next 6 months * have a medical contraindication to NRT (e.g., past 30 days, heart attack or stroke; past 6 months, serious or worsening angina, very rapid or irregular heartbeat requiring medication)
Where this trial is running
Charlottesville, Virginia
- University of Virginia — Charlottesville, Virginia, United States (RECRUITING)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Melissa Little, PhD, MPH — University of Virginia
- Study coordinator: Melissa Little, PhD, MPH
- Email: mal7uj@virginia.edu
- Phone: 434-924-1935
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions: Smoking Cessation, Smoking, Cigarette, Smoking Reduction, Smoking, Smoking, Tobacco, Quitting Smoking